Start a Smart Home: Pick Your Assistant First

By the BargainTop10 Editors · Updated 2026-10-28

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Quick answer

Decide between Google Assistant and Alexa first, based on the phone and speakers you already use. Then start with a hub or speaker plus a couple of smart plugs, which work with both, before spending on lighting or cameras. For specific products, see our ranked smart-home starter list.

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Step 1: pick a voice assistant

Most starter smart homes are controlled through either Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Both control the common devices (plugs, bulbs, cameras), so the practical question is which one fits your household:

Google Assistant fits households already using Android phones, Google Calendar or Nest devices.
Alexa fits households already using Echo speakers or shopping heavily on Amazon.

Step 2: understand Matter and Thread

Matter is an industry standard intended to let devices work across Google, Amazon, Apple and Samsung platforms. Thread is a low-power network that many Matter devices use; it needs a “border router” in the home. Google lists the Nest Hub (2nd gen) as supporting Matter and acting as a Thread border router, so a hub like it keeps more future devices compatible.

Step 3: start small

Smart plugs are the cheapest first step. TP-Link lists the Kasa EP10 as needing no hub and working with Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings. Note it connects over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only and is rated for 120 V in the US.
Smart bulbs come next. Philips Hue bulbs can be controlled over Bluetooth in a single room, but the Hue Bridge unlocks the full feature set and more rooms.
Cameras are last, because many lock smart alerts behind a subscription. Check what the free tier includes before you buy.

Before you buy any device

Check it lists your assistant (or Matter) on the box or product page.
Check which Wi-Fi band it needs. Many plugs need 2.4 GHz.
Check for required hubs, bridges or subscriptions.

Why it may suit you

Choosing an assistant first avoids buying devices that don't work together
Smart plugs like the Kasa EP10 work with Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings without a hub
A Matter-capable hub such as the Nest Hub (2nd gen) keeps future options open

Trade-offs

Some features (Hue's full feature set, Wyze's smart alerts) need a bridge or a subscription
Many cheap smart plugs only connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
Mixing ecosystems still means more than one app for some settings

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a hub to start a smart home?

Not always. Wi-Fi smart plugs such as the Kasa EP10 work without one. A Matter and Thread hub becomes useful as you add devices.

What is Matter?

An industry standard intended to let smart-home devices work across Google, Amazon, Apple and Samsung platforms.

Why won't my smart plug connect to Wi-Fi?

Many plugs, including the Kasa EP10, only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Make sure your phone is on the 2.4 GHz network during setup.

Sources

Checked on 2026-10-28. Prices change often, so we link to the live listing instead of quoting one.

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